The Big 18. Live Echoes of the Swinging Bands

The Big 18 (Artist), Buck Clayton (Artist), Charlie Shavers (Artist), Rex Stewart (Artist), Billy Butterfield (Artist), Lawrence Brown (Artist), Lou McGarity (Artist), Dickie Wells (Artist), Vic Dickerson (Artist), Walt Levinsky (Artist), Peanuts Hucko (Artist), Hymie Schertzer (Artist), Sam Donahue (Artist), Boomie Richman (Artist), Ernie Caceres (Artist), Johnny Guarnieri (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 27, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Fresh Sound Records
• ASIN: B002LTNWXA
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,677 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Swingtime In The Rockies

2. Easy Does It

3. Five O'Clock Drag

4. Feet Draggin' Blues

5. Summit Ridge Drive

6. Tuxedo Junction

7. Blues On Parade

8. Okay For Baby

9. March Of The Toys

Disc: 2

1. Skyliner

2. Parade Of The Milk Bottle Caps

3. Celery Stalks At Midnight

4. I'm Prayin' Humble

5. Hors D'Oeuvre

6. Liza

7. The Campbells Are Swinging

8. Organ Grinder's Swing

9. Ton O'Rock Bump

10. Quaker City Blues

Editorial Reviews

The Big 18 was an all star big band that payed tribute to the swinging big bands of the thirties. The original idea came from Fred Reynolds, musical director of RCA Victor at the end of the fifties. He called his library to select numbers that would be characteristic of the orchestras of the swing era. He then commissioned arranger Charles Shirley to listen to the original recordings and transcribe them, keeping as much as possible of the flavor of the original band, leaving space in the arrangements for much longer solos than the original short recordings allowed for. Some of the greatest musicians in each band selected the tunes that were chosen to produce these wonderful sessions. It resulted in some very fine solos and an exciting ensemble sound, plus a superb recording that faithfully captured their spirit. This complete edition includes both of The Big 18 original LPs on 2 CDS and in chronological order!